Srinagar, May 11: The Kashmir government has welcomed the statement of Mohammad Yasin Malik – former militant commander and now chairman of separatist political group JKLF – about safeguarding the tourism industry in region.

“Malik has rightly said that Kashmir has a rich tradition and culture of hospitality and that Kashmir is a perfect and ideal place for travelers to enjoy their holidays,” Kashmir’s tourism minister Nawang Rizgon Jora said and hailed the remarks of separatist leader that “we can assure each and every guest of ours that we will do everything to safeguard them”.

He said promoting tourism is the best guarantee for Kashmir’s prosperity. “With the improvement in the security scenario, Kashmir would receive a big boost to the tourism industry, which is expected to witness big boom this season. The government has launched a massive tourism promotion campaign not only in the Kashmir but also in India and worldwide. These efforts are bound to yield good results with the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.

The minister said the Kashmir government is endeavoring to clear all the misconceptions about the security scenario in the region. “Kashmir is as safe for tourists as any other part of India or world,” he said adding infrastructure is being upgraded to the international standard in a phased manner to meet the requirements of the varied classes of tourists.

He urged the tourists to visit Kashmir and enjoy the varied natural beauty in the region.